LPGA makes significant announcement that hands Nelly Korda first title in 13 months

Nelly Korda captured her first title in more than 13 months with victory at the season-opening Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona in Florida — albeit with a timely assist from the LPGA who shortened the event to 54 holes due to bad weather. 

The LPGA made the announcement on Sunday morning as a result of deteriorating course conditions and high winds. 

Play was initially suspended late in the day on Saturday.

Korda, the World No.2, held a three-shot lead in the clubhouse over Amy Yang, who only had two holes left to play. 

With the closing stretch consisting of a par-3 17th and a par-4 18th, it meant Yang needed a miracle to deny Korda the title.

When Yang returned to the course on Sunday afternoon, she failed to do the unthinkable with two pars for a 69 and 10-under par total. 

Korda fired a stunning 64 on Saturday to vault into the outright lead on 13-under par.

To put Korda's stunning round of 64 into perspective, it was nine strokes better than the field average in the third round. 

The victory sees Korda collect a first prize of $315,000.

It's her first win since November 2024. 

The LPGA released a statement explaining the decision to shorten the season-opening tournament: 

"Based on conversations between the rules officials, tournament staff, partners and the grounds team, the decision has been made to reduce the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to a 54-hole event. The six players who have not finished their third round will resume their third round at 2:15 PM ET today, Feb. 1.

"Play will continue with Lake Nona Golf & Country Club becoming playable in competitive competition at its peak temperature, but conditions will deteriorate later today and tomorrow, Feb. 2, making it difficult to complete 72-holes.

"We want to thank Hilton Grand Vacations, our athletes and fans for their support over the past 24 hours as we navigated these conditions and are looking forward to returning to Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in 2027."

Not everyone was pleased with decision to shorten the tournament.

None more so than LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, who is shocked by the call.

"I don't know why they're not playing," Sorenstam told Golfweek.

"There's pitch marks. I mean, I hit some crispy shots today and the ball even stopped. 

"I am surprised. It's difficult, it's cold but it's as fair as anything."

The win marks the 16th of Korda's LPGA career and her first victory since The Annika in November 2024. 

Korda endured a rare winless season in 2025 despite a number of strong performances, slipping from first to second in the world rankings after a dominant 2024 campaign that saw her claim seven titles. 

Victory at the Tournament of Champions signals an emphatic return to the winner’s circle as Korda begins her 2026 season in style. Even if it was achieved in 54 holes.